Our annual "family day" was actually fun
Oct 31, 2016 13:26:24 GMT
imp, gilreth, and 2 more like this
Post by runmum on Oct 31, 2016 13:26:24 GMT
We were always encouraged to officially celebrate becoming a family on an annual basis - a sort of claiming strategy recommended by SW and therapists. On the one hand it makes sense but on the other we found it cause a whole lot of stuff to kick off. The cards we gave got thrown at us and ripped up and the outings we arranged were sabotaged. Year by year we tried all sorts of things keeping it low key but just taking the chance to say in a "fly by" sort of way "we are sticking with you guys." We made a conscious decision to stick with it - it felt like it would send the wrong message to stop and the boys do ask about it each year.
This year they both chose to go to the zoo. Two ticks - firstly they both wanted the same thing and secondly there is no competitive element - something that always leads to disaster. Rundad and I planned out the easiest journey and agreed in advance how we would cope with the fact that the shop is the first things you come to, where and what and when we would eat, what treats they would be allowed, the gift shop budget etc etc.
The train got cancelled and the next one delayed - ahhhh a 50 minute wait on the platform. Oddly all was calm, everyone was chatty and in a good mood a bit cross with the train company for being so rubbish but not taking it out on us or fellow passengers. We arrived at the zoo and the boys worked together to plan a route agreeing what we would see and in what order - eh?
Starting to wonder if we'd brought the neighbours kids by mistake at this stage. Loads of fun, genuine interest, lots of awe and wonder and no dangerous acts - we enjoyed gorillas, monkeys (monkey boy's favourite LOL), reptiles, amphibians, llamas, lions, tigers, penguins. Both boys were happy to visit the shop right at the end with jealous dog even saying to be honest I think I'm a bit old for this stuff but i'll help monkey boy or we'll be here all day. We purchased sensible gifts BELOW budget, sat down and ate a meal in the cafe (they chose more than they needed as usual but hey). We then nonchalantly gave them their cards carefully chosen to reflect their personality they both say thanks and then jealous dog says "mum I need to talk to you in private" Yikes what now " It's family day you and dad should have a present too and I want to buy something for monkey boy to thank him for being my brother." (Trying not to pass out now.) He then has the same conversation in private with run dad and we agree that small items will be purchased online to mark the day. They go off to the loo - I look at run dad and say well we've still got to get home. Admittedly there was a brief attempt by monkey boy to start kicking jealous dog on the train but all subsided quickly. Rundad suggests running home with jealous dog whilst I walk home with monkey boy doing pokemon go. In the door and they go straight up to their rooms to chill out.
Truly beyond belief!!!!
This year they both chose to go to the zoo. Two ticks - firstly they both wanted the same thing and secondly there is no competitive element - something that always leads to disaster. Rundad and I planned out the easiest journey and agreed in advance how we would cope with the fact that the shop is the first things you come to, where and what and when we would eat, what treats they would be allowed, the gift shop budget etc etc.
The train got cancelled and the next one delayed - ahhhh a 50 minute wait on the platform. Oddly all was calm, everyone was chatty and in a good mood a bit cross with the train company for being so rubbish but not taking it out on us or fellow passengers. We arrived at the zoo and the boys worked together to plan a route agreeing what we would see and in what order - eh?
Starting to wonder if we'd brought the neighbours kids by mistake at this stage. Loads of fun, genuine interest, lots of awe and wonder and no dangerous acts - we enjoyed gorillas, monkeys (monkey boy's favourite LOL), reptiles, amphibians, llamas, lions, tigers, penguins. Both boys were happy to visit the shop right at the end with jealous dog even saying to be honest I think I'm a bit old for this stuff but i'll help monkey boy or we'll be here all day. We purchased sensible gifts BELOW budget, sat down and ate a meal in the cafe (they chose more than they needed as usual but hey). We then nonchalantly gave them their cards carefully chosen to reflect their personality they both say thanks and then jealous dog says "mum I need to talk to you in private" Yikes what now " It's family day you and dad should have a present too and I want to buy something for monkey boy to thank him for being my brother." (Trying not to pass out now.) He then has the same conversation in private with run dad and we agree that small items will be purchased online to mark the day. They go off to the loo - I look at run dad and say well we've still got to get home. Admittedly there was a brief attempt by monkey boy to start kicking jealous dog on the train but all subsided quickly. Rundad suggests running home with jealous dog whilst I walk home with monkey boy doing pokemon go. In the door and they go straight up to their rooms to chill out.Truly beyond belief!!!!
